The guests visit Quanzhou City Industry Hall. [Photo/qzwb.com]

On Dec 9, the 13th Meeting of the Joint Council of the ASEAN-China Center took place in Quanzhou. Coinciding with the fifth Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival, the meeting offered delegates from ASEAN countries an opportunity to experience Quanzhou in person. During their visit, they explored the city's rich history, bustling urban landscape, fascinating Maritime Silk Road culture, and thriving industrial development.

The guests expressed their appreciation for the chance to witness China's flourishing industries through Quanzhou and acknowledged the untapped potential for further cooperation between Quanzhou and ASEAN countries.

H.E. Heng Sarith said that the Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival serves as a guide for future collaboration and provides a platform for partnership between China and ASEAN.

Quanzhou's longstanding export of textiles, construction machinery, ceramic tiles, and other goods to ASEAN countries, along with its role as a gateway for minerals, food, and agricultural products from ASEAN countries to enter China, has contributed to robust economic and trade cooperation between Quanzhou and ASEAN countries, with strong potential for further collaboration in various sectors. Quanzhou has also witnessed increased involvement with ASEAN since the implementation of RCEP last year, with ASEAN now standing as Quanzhou's largest trading partner.